Over 22,000 Infant Carriers Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of about 22,000 Eddie Bauer infant carriers because they can pose a fall hazard to children. Consumers are advised to stop using the carriers immediately and contact manufacturer Gold Inc. to verify their product is subject to the recall.

Gold Inc. Advises Consumers to Call About Recalled Infant Carriers

These infant carriers or “baby carriers” are products designed to allow parents to walk around with their babies attached to them. They are worn by the parent or caregiver like a backpack, but in front, with straps that go around the back and shoulders. These particular carriers are black and have “Eddie Bauer” and “First Adventure” printed in gray lettering on the front. They were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide between December 2017 and August 2018, and have the model number: EB00201.

The problem is that the buckles in the carrier can break, which could cause the infant to fall out. The importer, Gold Inc., is aware of eight reported incidences of broken buckles, though no injuries have been reported so far. The products are manufactured by Woodfield Baby Products in China.

Gold, Inc. has advised consumers to stop using the products and contact them in one of the following ways for more information:

Once the recall is verified, consumers will receive either replacement products of equal value or a full refund. There is no option for a replacement infant carrier, however. The replacement products come in a bundle that includes strap covers, car seat handle covers, or other similar products. Consumers must cut off and return both straps and tag with their name, address, and phone number to receive the replacement products, free of charge, or refund.

Playtex Also Recalls Their Carriers Due to Buckle Problems

Playtex recalled their “hip hammock” infant carriers back in 2013, pulling about 305,000 off the market in the U.S. These were infant carriers designed to strap the baby against the caregiver’s body at the hip. They were made for babies between 15 and 35 pounds, and were attached with straps that wrapped around the carrier’s hips and shoulder.

The problem was similar to that affecting the Gold, Inc. carriers—a buckle problem. In this case, the buckles on the waist and shoulder straps could crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the baby. The company received 87 reports of the buckles failing, including two reports of injuries, where one infant required emergency room treatment.

These carriers were also manufactured in China, and imported by Playtex Products. They were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Walmart, and other discount stores nationwide, as well as on Amazon, between June 2004 and December 2008. Playtex advised consumers to contact them at www.playtexproducts.com for more instructions on how to return the products for full refunds.

Focusing on representing injury victims nationwide in product liability and complex personal injury litigation, Mr. Cohn has litigated a wide-array of cases against numerous manufacturers, employers, landowners, and negligent third-parties—resulting in many multi-million dollar recoveries. In addition to working for nationwide plaintiffs firms in New York, he is also a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney.